1st Quarter 2008Volume #1, Issue #29

2008 Product Selection ExpandedAs 2007 draws to a close, Mouser Custom Cabinetry’s commitment to producing a superior quality product remains our priority. Several new products have been added to the product selection, while the design of several others has been updated.

The Mouser wood specie and finish selections have been expanded to include Painted Cherry at a 10% upcharge. It is available with the same finishes as Painted Maple except for the Glacier finishes. Espresso on Red Oak and Sisal on both Knotty Alder and Select Alder wood species are now available at no additional finish charge. Also, Preview Doors and Match Sample Doors will remain current for 120 days instead of 90 days.

With the 2008 catalog, all Full Extension Undermount drawer slides will have Blumotion included at no additional charge. Those wishing to keep the undermount slide but omit the Blumotion option may do so with a $10 deduction per drawer box. This option is listed on the Mouser order form and as a heading selection in the Horizon software. Similarly nearly all of the file drawers have had the slides changed from SMS100 to the Heavy Duty Full Extension Undermount with Blumotion built in.

In keeping with the “GREEN” trend, the catalog now has optional wastebasket lids in green or white for use on

the 35 qt or 50 qt trash cans found in our POWB and WBH units. Also, a new cabinet (B-FHD,POWB-2RECYCLE) has been designed for sorting recyclables into two wastebaskets with a place for newspapers in a 6” tall POD above. A new catalog section has been added that contains all ordering forms with the intent that those forms be used

for copying and reuse at the showrooms.

Another cabinet added is the B-FARMSINK for intended use with apron or farm sinks installed at the jobsite. We provide extra wide stile and rail material to cut on-site for final installation of the sink. Following the sink manufacturers’ recommendations, we will not do a specific cutout on this cabinet so that the best fit can be made by the installer on site with the actual sink being used.

Radius or curved front cabinets are now available in the Inset Series with either the square or beaded face frame.

The beaded face frame requires a charge in addition to the Inset Series box charge.

The Embellishment section contains the highest quan-tity of new products introduced for 2008. For fresh de-sign options with onlay applications, there are several

new Stile Onlay Combi-nations. We’ve added a family of products with a “weaved” pattern including a spindle, corbel, foot, and spool block. New corbels, tapered spindles, square posts, and tapered feet were added to provide de-sign elements in the Mis-sion style. The new Tulip Foot gives built-in cabine-

try a furniture type appearance when ordered installed. The Valance Bridge and Light Bridge items were added due to customer demand.

New modifications include the Offset Front, Hinge Down Writing Surface, Removable Exterior Back, Removable Access Panel, Removable Floor, and Moulding Return (found in the Embellishment section). All were added as a result of customer requests.

These are the main changes for 2008. Consult your 2008 Mouser Price and Specification Catalog for a complete, detailed listing of new product offerings, upgrades, and changes to the existing product selections. The price adjustment for 2008 goes into effect on January 28, 2008. The cut-off for orders with 2007 pricing is 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 27, 2008. Questions regarding the 2008 Price and Specification Catalog should be directed to the Mouser Customer Service Department at 800-345-7537, extension 5.

L/R: Wastebasket lids in green or white; “Weaved” leg; Recharging Drawer.

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2008 Product Selection Expanded ................................................ Front Cover2008 Price & Specification Catalog Distribution .........................................Pg 2Conservation and Recycling are High Priorities ..............................................Pg 2Proper Use of Sales Aids .........................Pg 3

The Mouser Collection-Design Portfolio .............................................................Pg 3January 2008 Product Training ...............Pg 4Mouser Completes Final Training School of 2007 ................................................Pg 4Feature Design of the Month ..................Pg 4Spotlight Feature on Mouser Dealers Candelino Kitchens .............................Pg 5Design Idea-Wainscot Panel on the Back of an Island .................................Pg 6Alder is a Winner ....................................Pg 6Mouser Customer Service Spotlight Lori Storms - Work-Up Proof Reader .Pg 7Mouser’s Paper Reduction Plan ..............Pg 7Water is the Enemy .................................Pg 7Current Shipping Schedule .........Back Cover

2008 Price & SpecificationCatalog Distribution

On November 28, 2007, the Mouser Custom Cabinetry Marketing Department packaged and shipped boxes to each Authorized Mouser Dealer. These boxes contained the new 2008 Overlay & Inset Price and Specification Catalog, the 2008 Marketing Programs Book, the 2008 Planner packet, your pre-selected Electronic Catalog (including the training manual if applicable), literature packet with order form, and the new Mouser Collection – Design Portfolio brochure with a promotional offer.

Due to the time sensitive promotional offering and the January 28, 2008 effective price increase date for the 2008 Price and Specification Catalog, the information and samples distributed by Mouser Custom Cabinetry should be shared with the appropriate sales staff, designers and support personnel in a timely manner.

If you have not received any of the information listed above, or if you received damaged merchandise, contact the Mouser Custom Cabinetry Marketing Coordinator at 800-345-7537, ext. 298.

Among the primary mandates for members of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association’s Environmental Stewardship Program are conservation of resources and recycling materials. Obviously, manufacturers of furniture and cabinetry are the largest consumers of wood products, but the consumption story does not conclude with wood. These manufacturers are also among the biggest users of corrugated packaging materials.

In the furniture and cabinet industries, corrugated materials are used for nearly everything that is transported. From the raw materials received at a wood products plant, to the finished goods shipped, corrugated cartons are the most commonly used form of packaging. This overabundance of corrugated material presents wood product manufacturers with a tremendous opportunity for both conservation and recycling.

Mouser Custom Cabinetry decided long ago that reducing the use of corrugated material was good for both the environment and our dealers. Today, nearly 89% of all cabinets shipped by Mouser are blanket wrapped, and the benefits are well documented; conservation of corrugated materials, cost savings in packaging, cost savings on disposal of packaging materials, and easier product inspection at the time of delivery.

Combine these conservation efforts with the company recycling program for all packaging used by our raw material suppliers and you will begin to understand the Mouser commitment to the KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program. It is all part of being a good, conscientious corporate citizen.

Conservation and Recyclingare High Priorities

Visit Us On The World Wide Web:WWW.MOUSERCC.COM

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The Mouser Collection - Design PortfolioAfter much anticipation, Mouser Custom Cabinetry’s newest addition to our line of printed marketing collateral is finally here. Ninety-six, full-color, glossy pages of dramatic designs created by designers utilizing the Mouser product lines. Building on the success of the Creative Expressions Design Portfolio, the new Mouser Collection literature offers a wider selection of cabinetry designs for kitchens, bars & entertainment areas, baths & personal areas, and other room applications. Product images are organized into style sections and displayed on individual pages, full-page spreads, and beautiful double-page spreads that flow off each page.

As this new Mouser Collection literature piece began to take shape, it very quickly became one of the most eagerly anticipated literature pieces in the Mouser Custom Cabinetry media lineup. An excellent companion piece to the technical information provided in the Selection Guide, The Mouser Collection literature is filled with page after page of “eye-candy” to provide visually appealing design ideas for both homeowners and designers alike.

In November, a complementary copy of The Mouser Collection-Design Portfolio literature and order form

were distributed to each of our Authorized Mouser Cus-tom Cabinetry Dealers with the 2008 Price and Specifi-cation Catalogs. The new 2008 Mouser Collection-De-sign Portfolio literature is now available for showroom display and distribution at a net price of $8.00 each. As with any piece of literature, the new Mouser Collection - Design Portfolio literature is eligible for the application of available co-op funds to further offset your cost by 50%. With a final cost of $4.00 for ninety-six pages of full color cabinetry, the Mouser Collection litera-ture is a great deal.

Through January 15, 2008 additional pieces of the new Mouser Col-lection - Design Portfo-lio may be ordered at a discounted promotion-al price. Purchase de-tails were included in the 2008 Price and Specification Cata-log shipment.

Proper Use of Sales AidsWe would like to address a serious situation that continues to cause both lost revenue and time to your Dealerships and Mouser Custom Cabinetry. In previous newsletter articles we have addressed the need to keep all showroom samples current, including S-1 Sample Fronts, S-9 Color Blocks, and Displays. We have an on-going problem with preview doors being rejected due to the fact the initial selection was made from an expired sample or in some cases samples not intended to be used to select finish.

Samples not intended for finish selection would be the S-12 Distressing Sample. S-9’s are for preliminary color selection only, and are not to be used for final color selection. S-11’s are intended to show all characteristic levels of Heirloom Distressing and are not representative of each drawer front, door, and other areas of the cabinetry because all characteristics are focused in a small area versus spread over areas of the entire cabinet order.

As you can imagine, we have encountered many awkward situations due to Clients having their order delayed and loosing confidence in both the Dealership and Mouser Custom Cabinetry due to their Preview Door not meeting their expectations.

Once the Order Release Notice is signed and returned, the order is scheduled for production even before the Preview Door is approved. A Preview Door Approval Notice is faxed outlining that the order is being produced so no changes or cancellations can be made to the order. In situations in which the Client has viewed an expired sample or a sample not intended for finish selection, the

preview door may not match the sample that has been viewed. If the Order Release Notice is returned and the order is scheduled for production and the Client rejects the preview door, the order must be pulled from production. The Dealer will incur not only special finish fees to match the previously viewed sample, but processing fees for pulling the cabinetry from the production line. In addition, costly delays will be incurred while the details are finalized and a match door is produced.

Please take time to regularly review all showroom samples and remove all expired samples from your showroom. Although not recommended, if you do choose to keep expired samples on display contact your Mouser Representative to obtain Expired Stickers to attach to each expired sample. Advise all Sales Associates and Designers that if a Client selects a color from an expired sample or a sample that is not intended for finish selection, to contact the Mouser Customer Service staff prior to placing the order to ensure the sample is reviewed and, if necessary, a match door is produced. Never place an order for a standard finish when the Client has selected from an expired sample.

The Preview Door is an excellent program in which the Client can review their finish without delaying the lead time on the order. Please help us to protect this program by ensuring the Client is well educated about the finish they have selected. This includes the Client viewing current samples and understanding the characteristics involved in their finish and distressing options. Thank you for assisting us in addressing this problem on future orders.

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January 2008 Product TrainingJanuary has arrived, and with it comes many new developments such as the new 2008 Price & Specification Catalogs, new finish options, and of course, a new series of Product Training Classes.

The first class of the year will be held January 21 – 23, 2008 at the Mouser Custom Cabinetry Training Facilities in Elizabethtown, KY. During the 2-1/2 day seminar new information contained in the Price & Specification catalogs will be covered, along with cabinet construction, pricing exercises, ordering procedures, finish options, and embellishments. Information pertaining to these training classes was faxed in November; be sure to send in the registration form early for one of the 28 spots as class fills up quickly. An additional Horizon Software training class, which is available to only eight Product Training class attendees, will be held Wednesday from 12:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Class registration fee is $449 per person for Product Training and $39 per person for the additional Horizon Software training class. The fees may be sent with the registration form, or we can invoice you upon receipt of the form. The Product Training fee covers three nights lodging, two catered lunches, two catered dinners, class material, snacks and beverages. The Horizon fee covers class material and a boxed lunch.

If you have any questions regarding registration for the January Mouser Product Training, Horizon Software Training, class prerequisites, or training class fees, please contact Peggy LaGray, Mouser Custom Cabinetry’s Marketing Coordinator at 800-345-7537, ext. 298.

Mouser Completes FinalTraining School of 2007

October 24th marked the last day of product training for 2007. During the fourth and final training session of 2007, Mouser Custom Cabinetry hosted a total of 20 custom cabinet designers from 12 states at the Elizabethtown, Kentucky corporate facility.

The extensive training program provided an in-depth overview of the Mouser manufacturing process, product specifications, pricing methodology, design elements and flexibility, customization, and the features and benefits of the product line. In addition, an extra session covering the company’s Horizon pricing software was completed by a number of the designers.

To date Mouser Custom Cabinetry has educated an estimated 1,300 custom cabinet designers in our Product Training Seminars.

Cabinet Trends; Louisville, KYWood Specie: Knotty AlderFinish: Burnished Cotton & MerlotDoor Style: Manchester

Featured in the July 2007 issue of Kentucky Monthly.

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Candelino KitchensElizabeth, NJ

Early Years Create Groundwork for a Successful FutureJerry Candelino of Candelino Kitchens in Elizabeth, New Jersey credits much of his business success to his early years growing up in an all Italian neighborhood. The early years provided him with the opportunity to learn the trade from the cabinet and furniture craftsmen who were his neighbors. Jerry began his own business in 1996, and with the help of a great staff, has become one of Mouser Custom Cabinetry’s most successful dealerships.

The 1,000 square feet showroom houses several Mouser displays which include a Russet Cherry Inset design in Coventry door style, a Maple Burnished Ivory kitchen with the Tiffany door style, and a Pine Essex full overlay display in Manchester door style. Another sales aid/sample feature incorporated into the showroom is the Flip Door Display which holds approximately 60 S-1 sample doors that provide the clients plenty of choices. In addition to cabinetry, Candelino Kitchens also offers appliances and counter tops; these products allow Jerry and his staff to coordinate the client’s entire project from the initial design to the final installation.

The staff of Candelino Kitchens takes a hands-on approach not only with their projects, but they even work closely with other project contractors and manufacturers. Consumers and builders make up 80% of the business, and Jerry estimates the company does

50 – 60 projects each year that include new kitchens, new baths and remodeling projects. His approach is simple and effective; Jerry calls on the clients at their home to discuss the project and take measurements. His kitchen and bath designer, Teresa Aprile, utilizes Jerry’s notes and measurements to create just the right look for the client. After the designs have been completed, his project administrator, Christine Jettoo, handles the details. When the project is ready for installation, Jerry utilizes a skilled cabinet installer who is familiar with Mouser cabinetry to complete the project. He believes this hands-on approach, along with having a talented and experienced staff, is what sets his business apart from the competition.

While Jerry does some newspaper and magazine advertising to promote Candelino Kitchens, the majority of his advertising is “word of mouth” from scores of satisfied customers.

Jerry’s philosophy is to exceed his customers’ expectations, leaving them very happy with the entire experience. With this philosophy in mind, Jerry tells us that the quality and lead time of Mouser Custom Cabinetry lets him do just that. Mouser Custom Cabinetry would like to thank Jerry Candelio and his staff of Candelino Kitchens for their outstanding work, and we look forward to many years of continued success and satisfied clients from Candelino Kitchens.

Above cabinetry photos represent two of three Mouser Custom Cabinetry displays in Candelino Kitchen’s showroom.

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One of the most common uses for wainscot panels is on the back side (or non-work side) of an island. A wainscot panel provides a furniture quality appearance to the back of any island, and most clients prefer a beautifully detailed wainscot panel to the simple look of a wood veneered panel.

Design Idea - Wainscot Panel on the Back of an IslandHere are a few tips that you should consider when ordering a wainscot panel for the back side of an island:

Mouser base cabinets have flush backs, so you may order a wainscot panel or panels and attach them after the island cabinets are installed; this will create a butt joint between the end panel of the cabinet and the wainscot panel.

The wainscot panel is 3/4” thick, and when applied to the flush back of a base cabinet it adds 3/4” to the overall depth; keep this in mind as you complete measurements for counter tops.

To create a clean, seamless appearance after installation a 45 degree, inside miter joint between the cabinet end panel and wainscot panel may be ordered; this is accomplished by using the EXTEND END BACK modification to add 3/4” to the cabinet end panel, then note on both the order and the drawing(s) that you want a 45 degree, inside miter cut on both the wainscot panel and the end panel of the cabinet.

Alder is a WinnerWhen Mouser Custom Cabinetry introduced Knotty Alder to our primary market areas in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest we were barraged with questions.

Where is it grown? Is it a hardwood? Why haven’t I heard of it? Why are there large, open knots? All valid questions, but fortunately these queries have subsided.

Knotty Alder has grown into the most popular wood specie selection for that rustic kitchen, bath or entertainment area. Since the introduction of this attractive, very specialized wood specie in early 2006, Knotty Alder sales have surpassed those of Pine, Red Oak and Hickory to become our #3 selling wood specie. Our most recent sales numbers show Knotty Alder generating 8% of Mouser’s total cabinet sales, which is still well behind Maple and Cherry, but growing at a faster rate. The Knotty Alder sales numbers are particularly impressive when you consider the limited design focus of this rustic wood specie.

With its beautiful wood grain and the extensive range of stain finishes that look attractive, the demand for Alder has continually grown. Once restricted to the markets in the Pacific Northwest, this hardwood has become popular throughout the country. After seeing this trend, Mouser introduced Select Alder as a complement to Knotty Alder in early 2007.

By introducing Select Alder, which can have small, sound knots, Mouser Custom Cabinetry expanded the design applications available to Alder. Today, you will find Select Alder in kitchen styles ranging from the sophisticated traditional to the country farmhouse. Because of its beauty and versatility, the sales of Select Alder have increased faster than any other wood specie in Mouser history, and we expect the trend line to continue. If you have yet to use Select Alder, we highly recommend that you consider this attractive hardwood in your next project.

Knotty Alder Island

Select Alder Bedroom Entertainment/Storage

For more information with regards to designing and ordering wainscot panels contact the Mouser Customer Service Department at 800-345-7537, extension 5.

Wainscot Panel Island Application

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Lori Storms joined Mouser Custom Cabinetry in August 2002 as a Work-Up Associate. Since that time, Lori has worked to expand her knowledge of custom cabinet manufacturing and kitchen design. This accumulated cabinet industry knowledge eventually helped her move into her current position as Proofreader for the Work-Up Department. Lori’s current responsibilities as the Work-Up Department Proofreader include checking the originally submitted orders against the orders generated by Work-Up Associates. As Lori proofreads each order, she studies and compares the design layouts, elevation drawings, and appliance information against the original order; searching for discrepancies in order accuracy and evaluating technical accuracy. This procedure helps to avoid issues and problems that may arise during production. Lori also assists Dealers with questions about their orders as well as aiding Work-Up Associates with any questions they may have about the orders they are processing.

Although she is not originally from the Bluegrass State, Lori moved to Kentucky in 1993 after spending more than 25 years in Connecticut. Lori finds this part of Kentucky to be a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Prior to joining Mouser Custom Cabinetry, Lori worked in other local manufacturing industries in both clerical and design/estimator positions.

When out of the office, Lori enjoys spending quality family time with her two children, William and Samantha. If schedules and weather permit, Lori spends time outside gardening, fishing or just enjoying a long walk. On occasion, Lori can be found playing pool if the mood strikes her.

During her time with Mouser, Lori has had the opportunity to get to know many people. She enjoys the camaraderie of the Mouser Associates, as well as that of several Dealers she has gotten to know over the years. Lori stated, “Mouser is a wonderful company where you are able to get to know everyone.” Lori said that she is “Looking forward to seeing more of the beautiful kitchen designs our Dealers have for us.”

Please feel free to contact Lori at 800-345-7537, extension 333 if you have any questions regarding your Mouser kitchen order.

Water is the Enemy!Water! The essential element is necessary for every living thing on the planet. But it can be the enemy to fine furniture and cabinetry if left unchecked. Water spills can cause spots, stains, swelling and warpage on your cabinetry if not wiped up immediately. Even with the durability of our high quality, 17-step finishing process, water and humidity can cause issues with cabinet doors, drawer fronts, appliance panels, and other wood components around the kitchen.

It is very important to wipe up any moisture or spills that have gotten on the cabinetry with a clean, soft cloth. Do not use a dish cloth or sponge as these may contain oils or food particles that could be left behind. The areas most prone to moisture are the doors and fronts of a sink base cabinet, dishwasher panels, refrigerator and ice dispenser panels, ice maker panels, and cabinetry surrounding the range and cook-top. Taking a few minutes to wipe up spills and moisture will help maintain the finish and sheen of your clients’ fine cabinetry. It is important to stress maintenance of the cabinetry with your customers so they can enjoy the beauty of the cabinetry for many years.

Mouser’s Paper Reduction PlanAs dealers everywhere unpacked their Mouser 2008 Price & Specification Catalog mailing and reviewed the contents, they became aware of some changes that were implemented with this shipment. Absent were the pads of order forms, estimation sheets, layout sheets, change order forms, and custom quote forms that were typically sent with this shipment.

With the introduction of the 2008 Price & Specification Catalog, copies of these Mouser documents have been added behind Tab #13 in the binder. The Mouser forms, which can be removed, reproduced and utilized, have become a convenient part of every 2008 Price & Specification Catalog.

This paper reduction idea was made possible because Mouser dealers have been generating more computer designed layouts, line drawings and Horizon orders than ever before. The company’s printed forms usage has decreased dramatically in recent months, and the opportunity to reduce paper consumption became apparent.

Although Mouser has reduced the quantity of forms printed, the company has not abandoned those who prefer handwritten orders and personalized drawings. Your friendly and helpful Mouser Custom Cabinetry sales representative has received a supply of padded forms, and he or she can fulfill a request for more forms.

Please keep in mind:

• The Shipping Schedule is based upon Mouser’s receipt of a ready-to-process order. • Order Release Notices not returned within the required time or returned with extensive changes will have additional time added to the shipping schedule. • Orders requiring several hours of technical review and/or additional custom quote pricing will have additional time added. • The complexity of the order and the space available in our production schedule determines the lead-time assigned to each order.

• Posted shipping schedule excludes holidays and shutdowns.

Standard Production Door Styles ..5 - 7 weeksExtended Production Door Styles: ............... Up to 8 weeks

All Curved Doors, Curved Frames, Curved Crown Mouldings, Mitered Doors in Pine, and orders with Cherry or Maple Decorative wood carvings ......................................................................up to 9 weeks

Editor/Publisher/Art & DesignJeff Ramsey

Feature Articles:Steve Pfister, Peggy LaGray,Karen Cooper, Lori Storms,

Kimberly Winskye,and Jordan Case

webinquiry@mousercc.com

Effective: January 1, 2008 Cancels: December 1, 2007

Amherst, Andover, Belmont, Churchill, Concord, Elite, Fairmont, Franklin, Gentry, Marina, Monaco, Saratoga, Venice, Wellington, and Madison style drawer fronts. Ashland and Princeton in Hickory and Red Oak. Brookshire and Tiffany in Hickory, Red Oak, Quarter Sawn White Oak or Pine. Harbor in Red Oak.

Expedite Services Available (Days shown are plus shipping time)

14-Day Finish-up Service14-day Finish-up service may be requested for small orders such as appliance panels, wainscot panels, or additional cabinetry being added to an existing job, based on our current production capacity and the complexity of the order. Orders containing complex items that require production drawings, items that must be worked out by our Custom Quote Department, labor intensive items, or items with extended production lead-times do not qualify for this finish-up service. 14-day Finish-up orders will not be held for an Order Release Notice, as they must be sent immediately to Production. To receive this service, you must write 14-day Finish-up in the requested ship week area of the order form. We will determine if we can meet the request and acknowledge accordingly.

7-Day Finish-up Service7-day Finish-up service may be requested for items that are simple to produce, completely manufactured by Mouser Custom Cabinetry and were listed on the original order in the incorrect size or quantity. Complex items or multiple pieces will require the 14-day finish up service. Please reference the original work order number when applicable to allow us to verify items ordered are correct when replacing existing items. Some items do not qualify for this 7-day Finish-up service due to extended lead-times required for those items. The 7-day Finish-up Service is not available when mouldings, appliance panels, or wainscot panels were not ordered and produced with the original order.

48-Hour Quick Ship Service48-hour Quick Ship Service is available for non-manufactured items we stock, such as care kits, door and drawer pulls, drawer slides, sample fronts, color blocks, unfinished wood knobs, decorative woodcarvings, leaded glass, special order items, extended production door styles, etc.

When requesting orders with any of our expedite lead-times, if items ordered require different lead-times, we will assign all items the lead-time of the item(s) with the longest schedule. If you wish to receive the items at different times, please use separate order forms for the various items and specify the specific lead times you require on each order. Requests made to separate orders after we have acknowledged them cannot be honored.

Please forward to all Sales, Design and Purchasing Staff

Mouser Custom Cabinetry will be closed for Christmas andNew Years Holidays from December 22nd through January 1st.